New support strengthens B.C. animal care facilities during COVID-19

HIGH-QUALITY care for animals in B.C.’s shelters, BC SPCA facilities, zoos and aquariums will continue during the COVID-19 response, with funding available to help organizations cover the costs of food and medicine for their animals, the Province announced on Tuesday.

In response to the provincial health officer’s guidance around minimizing and containing the spread of COVID-19, dozens of animal attractions and animal care facilities, including those operated by the BC SPCA, have been closed to the public in B.C. communities. Facilities have been reporting a dramatic decrease in the donation of food, supplies and volunteers, and have been unable to hold fundraisers that support feeding their animals.

The Ministry of Agriculture will work with B.C. animal care facility operators to identify instances where emergency funding may be applicable. Funding will be available for animal hygiene, habitat upkeep, veterinarian care, limited transportation and repairs to equipment required to ensure the welfare of the animals in care.

B.C. animal refuges and rehabilitation centres that lack the revenue to ensure animals in their care will not be in distress will also qualify for funding. This will allow their animals to have a stable food supply and any medication they need.